Dog Daycare License Requirements in Arkansas STATE
In Arkansas, a state license is required for any facility that falls under the definition of a 'kennel' as per the Arkansas Pet Dealer and Animal Shelter Act, which includes businesses boarding five or more dogs or cats.
| License type | Pet Dealer Permit (includes kennels) |
|---|---|
| Issuing agency | Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission (ALPC) |
| Agency URL | https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-livestock-and-poultry-commission/animal-services-division/ |
| Agency phone | (501) 823-1746 |
| Fee range | $50.00 annually |
| Renewal cycle | Annual |
| Estimated timeline | 4-8 weeks, depending on the completeness of the application and facility readiness for inspection. |
Overview
If you're planning to open a dog daycare or boarding facility in Arkansas, navigating the licensing requirements is a critical first step. Unlike some states where licensing might solely be a local affair, Arkansas has specific state-level regulations that apply to commercial animal facilities, including boarding kennels and daycares. You'll primarily be dealing with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission (ALPC).
Under the Arkansas Pet Dealer and Animal Shelter Act, facilities that meet the definition of a 'kennel' are required to obtain a 'Pet Dealer Permit.' A kennel is defined as a place where five or more dogs or cats are kept for the primary purpose of breeding, boarding, buying, selling, or showing. This means that if your business will house five or more animals for boarding, you fall under this state-level regulatory umbrella. It's important to understand this definition upfront, as many small to medium-sized operations will quickly meet or exceed this animal count.
The licensing process begins with familiarizing yourself with the Act itself and, more importantly, the ALPC's 'Rules Governing Pet Dealers and Animal Shelters.' These rules detail everything from facility construction standards to operational procedures, animal health requirements, and record-keeping. You'll need to contact the ALPC Animal Services Division to obtain the latest 'Arkansas Pet Dealer/Animal Shelter Permit Application.' This application, along with an annual fee of $50.00, must be submitted to the commission.
Once your application is received, an ALPC Animal Services Inspector will conduct an on-site inspection of your facility. This inspection is crucial and will verify that your premises meet all the standards outlined in the state's rules. These standards cover aspects like adequate housing, proper ventilation, temperature control, sanitation protocols, availability of potable water, and having a dedicated isolation area for sick animals. You'll also need a written health care plan developed with a licensed veterinarian. Meeting these requirements *before* your inspection is paramount to avoid delays.
A common mistake operators make is failing to check local zoning laws and obtain necessary city or county business licenses in addition to the state permit. The state permit addresses animal welfare and facility standards, but local permits ensure your business is compliant with municipal land use and operational ordinances. Another pitfall is not understanding the comprehensive nature of the ALPC rules, which include detailed animal health requirements and record-keeping, extending beyond just the physical structure. For instance, any animal kept for sale or adoption, even in a primarily boarding facility, may require a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian. By proactively studying these regulations and communicating with both state and local authorities, you can ensure a smoother path to opening your dog daycare or boarding business in Arkansas.
While the state doesn't mandate specific insurance types, securing general liability, property, and especially animal bailee insurance is a wise business decision to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Application steps
- Determine if your operation meets the 'kennel' definition (5 or more dogs/cats kept for boarding, breeding, etc.)
- Review the Arkansas Pet Dealer and Animal Shelter Act and the ALPC Rules Governing Pet Dealers and Animal Shelters for specific requirements.
- Contact the ALPC Animal Services Division for current application forms and guidance.
- Complete and submit the 'Arkansas Pet Dealer/Animal Shelter Permit Application' along with the required $50.00 fee.
- Prepare your facility for an inspection by an ALPC Animal Services Inspector to ensure compliance with all standards.
- Receive your permit upon successful inspection and approval by the ALPC.
Common gotchas
- Many operators might not realize a commercial boarding facility housing five or more animals falls under the 'Pet Dealer' classification requiring a state permit.
- Failure to check local zoning ordinances and obtain necessary local business licenses, which are separate from the state permit.
- Not adhering to specific facility construction and operational standards, such as proper housing, sanitation, and record-keeping, before the inspection.
- Overlooking the requirement for a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian for each animal kept for sale or adoption, even if primarily a boarding facility with other services.
Facility requirements
Facilities must provide adequate indoor and outdoor housing, proper ventilation, heating, and cooling, and accessible potable water. Housing must be structurally sound, kept in good repair, and regularly sanitized. There must be an isolation area for sick animals, and a written health care plan developed with a licensed veterinarian. Space requirements dictate animals must have sufficient room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Insurance requirements
The state of Arkansas does not explicitly mandate specific commercial liability or animal bailee insurance for Pet Dealer Permits. However, it is highly recommended that dog daycare and boarding facilities obtain comprehensive general liability insurance, property insurance, and animal bailee coverage to protect against potential claims of injury, loss, or damage to client animals.
Related resources
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Educational use only. Information was researched as of 2026-05-11 and reflects publicly available regulations. Pet care licensing changes frequently and varies by city and county. Always verify current requirements with the listed agency before applying or signing a lease. PetEditorial is not responsible for losses from reliance on this content. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].